Huskers Switch Focus to Iowa State

Lincoln- The Nebraska football team had its first practice of the week Monday afternoon on the Ed and Joyanne Gass practice fields, just outside of the Hawks Championship Center. It was a practice that Head Coach Bo Pelini said was a good work day. He also addressed the status of quarterback Taylor Martinez.

"We gave him the day off," Pelini said. "He is doing well. He is fine."

Pelini said that Martinez is expected back at practice tomorrow, and that cornerback Alfonzo Dennard is also day-to-day. Pelini then spoke about freshman defensive back Ciante Evans and his play against Missouri.

"I thought Ciante did a great job," Pelini said. "He played well, and I thought he really rose to the occasion. He made some plays out there."

The topic of conversation then turned to Nebraska's game this weekend at Iowa State. It's a game that Pelini assures the Huskers will not overlook.

"Iowa State is a good football team," he said. "They are really well coached and sound at what they do. They just stay with what they believe in and they do a really good job."

Pelini also spoke briefly about Roy Helu Jr.'s record-breaking performance against Missouri and how it came to fruition.

"It was pretty much what I expected," Pelini said. "Things were blocked really well, and I thought he ran well. I thought we took advantage of some things that were there."

The Huskers head to Ames, Iowa to take on the Cyclones this Saturday and can be seen regionally on ABC at 2:30.